Just as Kansas City was bidding farewell to 2022, Armoni Matthews and Dominick Ray of Kansas City, Missouri, were in the emergency room at Research Medical Center following Matthews’ early labor pains and pregnancy complications. Upon examination by a high-risk OB-GYN in the obstetrics emergency department, the couple learned that an emergency caesarean section was needed due to the baby’s declining heart rate and challenges breathing. Baby girl Damaia, HCA Midwest Health’s first baby of 2023, was born at 3:23 a.m., weighing in at 8 pounds, 10 ounces and 20½ inches long.
“Although it was a scary time and our baby girl is in the neonatal intensive care unit, we are grateful that she is stable and we expect to bring her home soon,” new mom Matthews says. “All of the staff have been great, especially mother and baby nurse Taylor and NICU nurse Patti, who have been wonderful and compassionate as I recover from the C-section and adjust to having our newborn in the NICU.”
“Research Medical Center delivers hundreds of babies each year and every single one is a special blessing that requires unique care and attention,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan, FACHE. “We’re honored that this family has entrusted our physicians and staff with their care and wish them the very best in 2023.”
HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, delivers more babies than any health system in the region. It is home to four advanced neonatal intensive care units, including Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Research Medical Center.